Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Eager to enjoy a simple yet flavorful meal? Try our Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe! This dish is quick and delicious, perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

This easy lemon garlic shrimp recipe is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party. The combination of fresh lemon juice and savory garlic creates an amazing taste that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon (juice and zest)
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Time & Serving Size

Cooking time: approximately 20 minutes; serving size: serves 4.

Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Set aside in a bowl.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice (from half of the lemon), minced garlic, salt to taste, and freshly squeezed lemon zest from another half lemon. Pour this marinade over the shrimp and toss until evenly coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
While the shrimp is marinating, prepare a hot skillet with some additional olive oil. Heat it on medium-high heat.
Once the pan is sufficiently heated, add the marinated shrimp into the skillet. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and avoid clumping. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn pink.
Serve immediately with fresh parsley garnished on top.

Why This Recipe Shines

The key to making this dish stand out is the balance between flavors and texture. The lemon juice adds a refreshing zest, while the garlic gives it depth. Paired together, these ingredients create an explosion of flavor in every bite!

Tips for Success

Ensure your shrimp are fresh; this will contribute significantly to the overall quality.
For a bit more zest, you can add some red pepper flakes during cooking. It adds just that extra punch needed to elevate it from great to exceptional!
To make it even quicker, cook the shrimp in advance and refrigerate them until you're ready to serve. Then all you need is to reheat briefly before serving.

Variations

This recipe can be easily adapted based on your preference:

Add some capers for a bit more acidity and brininess.
Incorporate cherry tomatoes or zucchini to add a little more color and texture.
For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Presentation & Savoring

This dish looks stunning on the plate with its bright yellow hue from the lemon and green parsley. Serve it over rice or pasta for a complete meal. The natural acidity in the lemon juice cuts through rich flavors, making it an excellent side dish as well.

Health Benefits & Nutritional Information

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Shrimp are high in protein and low in fat. Fresh lemons offer a range of health benefits including vitamin C for the immune system and antioxidants to fight free radicals.

Closing Thoughts

Whether you're hosting or just preparing something for yourself, our easy lemon garlic shrimp recipe is a quick and sure-fire way to impress your guests. It's perfect for those nights when you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen but still want something delicious.

Try it out today! You won’t be disappointed with the results. Happy cooking!